Chapter 1

Paris, France, has always been one of my favorite places to visit. I love everything about it. It's so… um… French! I love France. I love the food, the people, the art, the culture, and the romance. I've always wanted to go there. To see the sights, the Eiffel Tower, and even the Mona Lisa… damn, that was the dream! Now, here I am, owning the very hotel in which a certain celebration will take place tonight. 

I landed just a few hours ago with a pounding headache due to the stupidity of one of my goons. Someone made a mistake regarding the proposal for taking over another company. That'll cost me thousands if not millions! My hotel staff was already horrified to see me upon my arrival. The whispers claim that I am a budding sociopath. 

"Welcome, Lady Aubrey." "We're delighted to have you back, madam." "It's our pleasure to have our boss tonight." All those lies to cover up the fact that they dislike me. Pathetic. It's not like I really care about what they think of me. Since I'm basically ageless, they won't be in my life for long. They're just mere specks of dust. Nothing of importance. They work for me; they get the job done; I pay them; it is as simple as that. I try my best not to get too connected with them. Heaven knows they'll die way before I do.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. Not a single grey hair or even a wrinkle; perfection. I always loathed the idea of aging anyway. I liked being young and beautiful. I always dreaded the thought of getting old and grey. At the age of twenty-eight, I sure do look like a teenager. My hair is still healthy and long as ever, straight and thick. My skin is never dull but is bright and fair. My eyes still get away with everything as they did back when I was younger. My pouty lips were still luscious as ever but had never been touched since the last time I had been in love—at eighteen. 

I was dressed in a red silk slip dress and half of my hair was tied in a bun with my favorite traditional Chinese hairpin. In a hotel full of French people, I'm sure to stand out. After all, I am Asian. I put on my red heels and made my way to my office which was actually just next to my room. My office was decorated beautifully to resemble my Chinese counterparts. Every piece of furniture pays tribute to my great-grandfather's heritage. I made my way to my sofa and lay there like a tired, fat cat. I was tired. 

My sweet puppy, Skye, lay on her bed next to my sofa. It's funny how pets resemble their owners. We look like mother and child instead of owner and pet. I suppose we were both tired. 

A few knocks were heard before my general manager entered the room. He bowed lightly in respect, making his way toward me. "The celebration is set for tonight, Lady Aubrey. Everything is in motion as we speak. In fact, the celebrant arrived just a few days ago," he reported. 

"I'm already aware of that, Ric," I said, "What do I not know?"

"This afternoon, he requested an empty seat to be left out," he continued, "It's meant for his dead friend whom he likes to honor."

Dead friend, huh? I wonder if that seat's meant for me… Perhaps. Perhaps not. I suppose I'll never know. All I need is a strand of his hair, a drop of blood, or any DNA from him to burn the rope that ties our souls together. I'm sure my staff will easily get a strand from him. Tonight's his twenty-first birthday; it's the only window available to break this bond. If I can't proceed with this tonight, I'll have to wait another nine years to be able to sever this. 

"Madam," Ric interrupted my thoughts, "Is there anything special you'd like to send for the birthday boy?"

"Just one thing," I replied, "Send him a bottle of our finest vodka. Leave a note that says it's a present from the hotel's owner."

"Vodka?" he questioned, arching his brow. "For a birthday?"

"Send it to his room," I said, "He's twenty-one now; the standard legal age for drinking. If I recall, he always had a thing for vodka. Not that I know if he's ever tried it before."

"Very well," he nodded, "We shall send him a bottle before he returns to his room."

I gestured for him to leave and he did. 

I'm curious though. What does his party look like? I know masquerade is the theme. I don't suppose he himself had the idea of going through with that. It was either his siblings who had planned it or some dumb friend of his. Still, it being a masquerade party will help me get in without drawing too much attention. Seeing him would be a piece of cake! 

I put on a sage green, strappy, skin-tight dress with a thigh-high slit. It was embroidered with florals and dragons inspired by Chinese traditional clothing. I wore a pair of heels that complemented the dress I had. My hair was left the same as it was and my jewelry was minimal. 

I sighed. Not as bad as I thought. 

I put on the mask I had ready. It was elegant and golden. It wasn't like any other tacky masks you usually find in the stores. Staring at the mirror, I'm quite happy with the end result. 

I heard a knock on the door before my general manager entered yet again. He said, "The party is starting, my lady."

"I know," I replied. "It's been hours since I saw you last. I'm positive the party has already started."

"You mean to attend?" he asked. 

"You don't need to concern yourself regarding that, Ric. All you need to do is make sure that no one knows who I am," I said, "Anyway, you should get back to work. I'm off to join the fun."

"Yes," he bowed lightly in respect. 

"Oh and Ric," I said, "Did he receive the bottle?"

"Yes," he replied, "He found it quite generous of you. Well, the owner."

I nodded. "Good." With that said, I strutted down the halls and into the elevator. The party is in the ballroom just below the rooftop. It was a few floors up. Just before I could reach my intended destination, the elevator stopped at his floor. My heart fluttered and I found myself digging my nails onto my palms. My gaze fell to the floor as the bell rang and the doors opened. 

"Ah," said a vaguely familiar voice. "You must be attending the party too."

I looked up to meet his gaze. A pair of ocean-blue eyes met mine. He was very tall and he looked quite muscular. His messy curls were tied behind his back in a ponytail, and he smelled like ocean waves and a hint of danger. He wore a black dress shirt that was slightly unbuttoned, black jeans, and a pair of designer white sneakers. 

"I'm Johnathan," he said, extending his hand. 

I accepted his gesture, allowing him to plant a kiss on it. Who would've thought that a prankster would turn up to be such a fine gentleman? No. Actually, he always has been quite a gentleman despite his mischievous personality. 

"Well," he said, "Aren't you going to tell me your name?"

I smirked, shaking my head in amusement. "It's Alexandra," I said in French. I can't risk him finding out who I am. Knowing him, he'll ruin everything. He always was the sensitive one even though he didn't show it. 

"Enchante," he said, "Funny."

"How so?" I asked, not breaking character. It's a good thing I studied French and have become fluent. 

He replied, "You have the same name as the character in a book I've read. Nevermind. It's not important."

"Shall we?" I asked, giving him my hand. 

He accepted, nodding at me. "I shall escort you to the party."

"Delighted," I say. Well, now that I've arrived, let the games begin. It's never a party without me anyway. Let's get this party started.